Optical scanning device in optical scanning device

ABSTRACT

The optical scanning device includes a swingable reflector; a blocking unit that is provided in the reflector to move in linkage with the reflector; and a sensor unit that includes at least a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit, wherein each of the first and second sensor units includes an output unit, which is a light generator or an electromagnetic wave generator configured to output a detection target and a detection unit, which is a light receiver or an electromagnetic wave receiver configured to detect the detection target. The output unit is at a position that faces the detection unit. When the reflector is in a predetermined swing angle range, the blocking plate blocks a path of the detection target between the output unit and the detection unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of and claims prioritybenefit of a U.S. application Ser. No. 15/995,140, filed on Jun. 1,2018, which claims the priority of Japan patent application serial no.2017-119255, filed on Jun. 19, 2017. The entirety of the above-mentionedpatent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made apart of this specification.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The disclosure relates to an optical scanning device (optical scanner)configured to swing a reflection unit configured to reflect light,change a light travelling direction, and scan light, and a method ofdetecting an angle of a reflection unit in the optical scanning device.

Description of Related Art

An optical scanning device (optical scanner) that swings a reflectionunit (such as a mirror) configured to reflect light from a light sourceand emit the light and thus changes a travelling direction of the light,and scans light is known in the related art. In one example of this typeof optical scanning device, light from the reflection unit is emitted toa measurement target object that is positioned in a scanning range, andreflected light and scattered light from the object is received by thereflection unit (such as a mirror). Then, when a time from when light isemitted from the reflection unit until it is received by the reflectionunit, or a swing angle of the reflection unit is measured, it ispossible to detect a distance to the measurement target based on thereflection unit and a direction in which the measurement target ispositioned. As another example of the optical scanning device, adistance measuring device using light detection and ranging (LIDAR)technology is known.

In the optical scanning device, when a position and a distance of anobject are measured by scanning light, an angle of the reflection unitis accurately detected in order to determine a direction of a targetobject, in order to adjust a timing at which a light source is caused toemit light according to an angle of the reflection unit, and in order toadjust a swing period of the reflection unit. In order to detect anangle of the reflection unit, an angle that can be detected isarbitrarily set.

As a conventional method of detecting an angle of a reflection unit inan optical scanning device, there is provided a technology in which atiming at which light emitted from a reflection unit that swings entersa detection unit (such as an image sensor) is measured and thus an angleof the reflection unit is detected.

For example, light may made to be incident on a reflection unit using anauxiliary light source for angle detection, reflected light thereof maybe detected by an image sensor, and thus an angle of the reflection unitcan be detected (Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-open No. S58-155972).

However, in this technology, the cost of an optical scanning device ishigh because it is necessary to design a complex optical path and anauxiliary light source and an image sensor are necessary.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the invention provides an optical scanning deviceincluding: a reflector, which is swingable; a blocking plate that isprovided in the reflector to move in linkage with the reflector; and asensor unit that includes at least a first sensor unit and a secondsensor unit, wherein each of the first and second sensor units includesan output unit, which is a light generator or an electromagnetic wavegenerator configured to output a detection target and a detection unit,which is a light receiver or an electromagnetic wave receiver configuredto detect the detection target. The output unit is at a position thatfaces the detection unit. When the reflector is in a predetermined swingangle range, the blocking plate blocks a path of the detection targetbetween the output unit and the detection unit.

An embodiment of the invention provides an optical scanning deviceincluding: a reflector, which is swingable; a blocking plate that isprovided in the reflector to move in linkage with the reflector; and asensor unit that includes an output unit, which is a light generator oran electromagnetic wave generator configured to output a detectiontarget and a detection unit, which is a light receiver or anelectromagnetic wave receiver configured to detect the detection target.The output unit is at a position that faces the detection unit. When thereflector is in a predetermined swing angle range, the blocking plateblocks a path of the detection target between the output unit and thedetection unit. The blocking plate is integrally formed with thereflector. The blocking plate is formed by providing a U-shaped notch inthe reflector and bending the reflector.

An embodiment of the invention provides an optical scanning deviceincluding: a reflector, which is swingable; a blocking plate that isprovided in the reflector to move in linkage with the reflector; asensor unit that includes an output unit, which is a light generator oran electromagnetic wave generator configured to output a detectiontarget and a detection unit, which is a light receiver or anelectromagnetic wave receiver configured to detect the detection target;and a light source configured to generate scanning light. The outputunit is at a position that faces the detection unit. When the reflectoris in a predetermined swing angle range, the blocking plate blocks apath of the detection target between the output unit and the detectionunit. The reflector has a reflection surface that includes a firstreflection area, in which scanning light from the light source isreceived and reflected toward a first area, and a second reflectionarea, in which scanning light that is reflected and returned from thefirst area is received and reflected toward a second area. The blockingplate is disposed between the first reflection area and the secondreflection area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an optical scanningdevice according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) are diagrams schematically showing an example of adetector. FIG. 2(A) shows a state of a sensor unit when no blocking unitis positioned between a light emission unit and a light detection unitand FIG. 2(B) shows a state of a sensor unit when a blocking unit ispositioned between a light emission unit and a light detection unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing states in which the opticalscanning device of the first embodiment swings.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which an on stateand an off state of a detection signal are switched between in theoptical scanning device of the first embodiment. (A) of FIG. 4 is adiagram schematically showing a state in which a reflection unit swings.(B) of FIG. 4 is a graph showing a change in swing angle of thereflection unit that swings as shown in (A) of FIG. 4 over time, inwhich the vertical axis represents the swing angle and the horizontalaxis represents a time. (C) of FIG. 4 is a graph showing a signal(detection signal) detected by a sensor unit, in which the vertical axisrepresents a strength of a detection signal and the horizontal axisrepresents a time. (D) of FIG. 4 is a graph showing a change in swingangle over time for a longer time than in (B) of FIG. 4. (E) of FIG. 4is a graph showing a detection signal for a longer time than in (C) ofFIG. 4. In (B) to (E) of FIG. 4, ranges surrounded by dashed linesindicate times of the same length.

FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are diagrams schematically showing an example inwhich a position of the optical scanning device of the first embodimentsensor unit is changed. FIG. 5(A) shows a state before a position of thesensor unit including a light detection unit is changed. FIG. 5(B) showsa state after a position of the sensor unit including a light detectionunit is changed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a reflectionunit swings in an optical scanning device of a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which an on stateand an off state of a detection signal are switched between in theoptical scanning device of the second embodiment. (A) of FIG. 7 is agraph showing a change in swing angle of a reflection unit over time, inwhich the vertical axis represents a swing angle and the horizontal axisrepresents a time. (B) of FIG. 7 is a graph showing a signal (detectionsignal) detected by a sensor unit, in which the vertical axis representsa strength of a detection signal and the horizontal axis represents atime.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an optical scanning device ofa third embodiment in which a plurality of sensor units are provided.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an optical scanning device ofa fourth embodiment in which a plurality of blocking units are provided.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing an optical scanningdevice of a fifth embodiment in which a plurality of sensor units and aplurality of blocking units are provided.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing an optical scanning device ofa sixth embodiment in which a circular arc-shaped blocking unit of whicha part has a notch is provided.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing an optical scanning device ofa seventh embodiment in which a gear-shaped blocking unit is provided.(A) of FIG. 12 is a diagram of an optical scanning device of a seventhembodiment when viewed in a direction of a rotation axis 2. (B) of FIG.12 is a graph showing a change in swing angle of a reflection unit overtime, in which the vertical axis represents a swing angle and thehorizontal axis represents a time. (C) of FIG. 12 is a graph showing asignal (detection signal) detected by a sensor unit, in which thevertical axis represents a strength of a detection signal and thehorizontal axis represents a time.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing an eighth embodimentin which a blocking unit has a function of splitting a reflectionsurface.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing a ninth embodimentin which a blocking plate is provided parallel to an axial direction ofa rotation axis.

FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) show diagrams explaining hysteresischaracteristics of a detector. FIG. 15(A) is a waveform diagram showinga signal (a signal on which a noise component is superimposed) from asensor unit having no hysteresis and an angle detection signal accordingto threshold value determination. FIG. 15(B) is a waveform diagramshowing a signal (a signal on which a noise component is superimposed)from a sensor unit having hysteresis and an angle detection signalaccording to threshold value determination.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing detection of a detection signal when ablocking unit swings laterally asymmetrically. (A) of FIG. 16 is adiagram schematically showing a state in which a reflection unit swings.(B) of FIG. 16 is a graph showing a change in swing angle of thereflection unit over time, in which the vertical axis represents a swingangle and the horizontal axis represents a time. (C) of FIG. 16 is agraph showing a signal (detection signal) detected by a sensor unit, inwhich the vertical axis represents a strength of a detection signal andthe horizontal axis represents a time.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the invention provide an optical scanning device anda method of detecting an angle of a reflection unit in the opticalscanning device through which it is possible to accurately detect anangle of the reflection unit with a simple configuration without acomplex optical path design.

In the optical scanning device and the angle detection method of one orsome exemplary embodiments of the invention, a blocking unit thatoperates in linkage with the reflection unit and a sensor unit thatincludes an output unit and a detection unit are included. When thereflection unit reaches a predetermined swing angle, the blocking unitblocks a path of a detection target between the output unit and thedetection unit of the sensor unit and it is possible to detect that thereflection unit has reached the predetermined swing angle. Therefore, itis possible to detect a swing angle of the reflection unit with a simpleconfiguration without a complex optical path design.

1. Optical Scanning Device

An optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention is anoptical scanning device including a swingable reflection unit.

In the embodiments of the invention, the “reflection unit” refers to amember that can reflect light. As a polyhedral shape reflection unit,for example, a member that is obtained by providing a metal thin filmsuch as an aluminum thin film and a silver thin film on a substrate, amirror in which a metal thin film is provided on the back side of atransparent substrate, a metal plate whose surface is mirror-processed,and the like can be used. The reflection unit may have a flat plateshape, a polyhedron shape, or a curved shape.

The reflection unit swings while reflecting light rays from a lightsource, changes a light travelling direction, and scans light.

For example, the optical scanning device of the embodiments of theinvention scans light, detects reflected light and scattered light froman object that is positioned in a light travelling direction, measures atime taken for detection or an incident direction, and thus determines adistance and a shape of a target object and the like. The opticalscanning device of the embodiments of the invention can be used for, forexample, a device called a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) deviceand a barcode reader.

In addition, since the optical scanning device of the embodiments of theinvention scans light, it can be used for a device configured to form animage, for example, a projector, a display, and a laser printer.

The optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention includesa blocking unit that operates in linkage with the reflection unit and asensor unit that includes an output unit and a detection unit. When thereflection unit reaches a predetermined swing angle, the blocking unitblocks a path of a detection target between the output unit and thedetection unit of the sensor unit and it is possible to detect that thereflection unit has reached the predetermined swing angle. Therefore, itis possible not to design a complex optical path, and it is possible todetect an accurate angle of the reflection unit with a simpleconfiguration. Hereinafter, the above “predetermined swing angle” willbe referred to as a “swing detection angle.”

In the embodiments of the invention, as the detection target, forexample, light, electromagnetic waves, an electric field, and a magneticfield can be used, but light is used in one or some exemplaryembodiments. In this case, the output unit of the sensor unit is a lightemission unit configured to emit light, and the detection unit of thesensor unit is a light detection unit configured to detect light emittedfrom the light emission unit.

Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference tothe drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an optical scanningdevice according to a first embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 1, an optical scanning device 1 includes a reflection unit 3 thatperiodically swings about a rotation axis 2 in the positive (+)direction and the negative (−) direction. In the reflection unit 3, ablocking unit 4 having an arc equidistant with respect to a point on therotation axis 2 is provided, and the blocking unit 4 also swings inlinkage with swinging of the reflection unit 3. Thus, on a swing path ofthe blocking unit 4, a sensor unit 6 including a light detection unit 5configured to detect a position of the blocking unit 4 is installed.When an angle of the reflection unit 3 is in a range of the swingdetection angle, light incident on the light detection unit 5 is blockedby the blocking unit 4.

FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) schematically show an example of the sensor unit 6including the light detection unit 5. As shown in FIG. 2(A), the sensorunit 6 includes the light detection unit 5 configured to detect lightand includes a light emission unit 7 at a position that faces the lightdetection unit 5. As the light emission unit 7, for example, a lightemitting element such as a light emitting diode can be used. In thiscase, a filter can be provided in the light detection unit 5 so thatonly light with a specific wavelength is detected. In addition, whenelectromagnetic waves other than light are used as the detection target,an electromagnetic wave generating element or the like can be used asthe output unit. In this case, the sensor unit 6 includes the detectionunit 5 configured to detect electromagnetic waves and the like.

FIG. 2(A) shows a state of the sensor unit 6 when no blocking unit 4 ispositioned between the light emission unit 7 and the light detectionunit 5. FIG. 2(B) shows a state of the sensor unit 6 when the blockingunit 4 is positioned between the light emission unit 7 and the lightdetection unit 5. In the state in FIG. 2(A), since light emitted fromthe light emission unit 7 enters the light detection unit 5, thedetection signal is brought into an on state.

On the other hand, in the state in FIG. 2(B), light emitted from thelight emission unit 7 is blocked by the blocking unit 4, no light entersthe light detection unit 5, and the detection signal is brought into anoff state. The blocking unit 4 is swung to pass between the lightdetection unit 5 and the light emission unit 7, and it is possible todetect an angle of the reflection unit 3 at a timing at which the statein FIG. 2(A) and the state in FIG. 2(B) are switched between.

In the embodiments of the invention, when the swing angle of thereflection unit is the swing detection angle, the blocking unit blocks apath of the detection target between the output unit and the detectionunit. In the first embodiment of the invention, a case in which theblocking unit 4 is positioned between the output unit (the lightemission unit 7) and the detection unit (the light detection unit 5),and light that passes between the output unit (the light emission unit7) and the detection unit (the light detection unit 5) is blocked isexemplified. In this manner, in the embodiments of the invention, whenthe detection unit and the blocking unit come close to each other andthe detection target incident on the detection unit is blocked, it ispossible to obtain a sharp detection signal in which an on state and anoff state of a detection signal can be clearly distinguished and it ispossible to detect an angle of the reflection unit more accurately. Inaddition, since information on a position at which the sensor unit ismounted is necessary to detect an angle of the reflection unit, when adetection signal based on the position information is obtained, it ispossible to detect an angle of the reflection unit more accurately.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing states in which the reflectionunit 3 and the blocking unit 4 periodically swing. FIG. 3 shows diagramsof the optical scanning device of the first embodiment when viewed in adirection of the rotation axis 2 and changes over time in the ordershown by arrows.

In the reflection unit 3 in FIG. 3, the blocking unit 4 having a fanshape in a resting state is formed laterally symmetrically.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when a swing angle of the reflection unit3 is 0°, the blocking unit 4 blocks light incident on the lightdetection unit of the sensor unit 6. When the reflection unit 3 rotatesabout the rotation axis 2, the swing angle of the reflection unitgradually increases. Thus, when the swing angle reaches +40°, theblocking unit 4 is away from the light emission unit and the lightdetection unit of the sensor unit 6, and light enters the lightdetection unit of the sensor unit 6. Therefore, it is possible to detectthat the swing angle of the reflection unit 3 has reached +40°.

The reflection unit 3 further rotates. However, when the swing anglereaches +45°, the reflection unit 3 starts to rotate reversely and theswing angle gradually decreases. Thus, when the swing angle reaches+40°, the blocking unit 4 is positioned between the light emission unitand the light detection unit of the sensor unit 6 and light incident onthe light detection unit of the sensor unit 6 is blocked. Therefore, itis possible to detect that the swing angle of the reflection unit 3 hasreturned to +40°. According to the change over time in an arrowdirection, the reflection unit 3 further rotates, and when the swingangle reaches −40°, the blocking unit 4 is away from the sensor unit 6,and light enters the light detection unit of the sensor unit 6.Therefore, it is possible to detect that the swing angle of thereflection unit 3 has reached −40°.

The reflection unit 3 further rotates. However, when the swing anglereaches −45°, the reflection unit 3 starts to rotate reversely. When theswing angle reaches −40°, the blocking unit 4 approaches the sensor unit6, and light incident on the light detection unit of the sensor unit 6is blocked. Therefore, it is possible to detect that the swing angle ofthe reflection unit 3 has returned to −40°. The reflection unit 3further rotates and the swing angle returns to a state of 0°. Thereflection unit 3 and the blocking unit 4 periodically repeat the aboveswing.

In the optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention, asin the first embodiment, the blocking unit is mounted on the reflectionunit so that the blocking unit can operate in linkage with thereflection unit. In order for the blocking unit to operate in linkagewith the reflection unit, the blocking unit may be mounted on a memberconnected to the reflection unit. In addition, according to a mechanicalmechanism using a gear or the like, the blocking unit may operate inlinkage with the reflection unit. When the blocking unit is directlymounted on the reflection unit, it can be mounted through a connectionpart that connects the reflection unit and the blocking unit. Inaddition, the reflection unit and the blocking unit can be integrallyformed. In this case, the blocking unit can be mounted on a reflectionsurface of the reflection unit or a back surface of the reflectionsurface. When the blocking unit is integrally formed with and mounted onthe reflection unit, if a U-shaped notch is provided in the reflectionunit and that part is bent and “cut and raised” so that it issubstantially perpendicular to the reflection unit, the blocking unitcan be provided on the reflection unit.

The blocking unit is, for example, a flat blocking plate. When theblocking plate is mounted on the reflection unit, the blocking plate maybe mounted so that it intersects a plane of the reflection unit, and theblocking plate can be mounted so that it is parallel to a plane of thereflection unit.

In the embodiments of the invention, when the reflection unit reachesthe swing detection angle, the detection target incident on thedetection unit is blocked by the blocking unit. Here, the swingdetection angle is an “angle at which detection is to start” and is −40°or +40° in the first embodiment.

In the optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention, inaddition to the reflection unit, the blocking unit, and the sensor unit,a light source for emitting scanning light, an actuator for swinging thereflection unit, and a control circuit for controlling the actuator, thesensor unit, and the like can be provided.

As the light source, a laser light source, an LED light source, an SLDlight source, or the like can be used. Among them, the laser lightsource can be suitably used because it is a light source with highdirectivity. The actuator for swinging the reflection unit is notlimited thereto. For example, an actuator using a piezoelectric elementor a magnetic force and an actuator using electrostatic attraction canbe used.

As the sensor unit used in the embodiments of the invention, a sensorunit capable of detecting light, radio waves, X-rays, gamma rays, soundwaves, physical contact, or the like can be used. Here, when light isused, the blocking unit is, for example, a light blocking unit made of alight blocking material through which light does not pass. As a lightdetection unit configured to detect light, a light receiver configuredto detect visible light, infrared rays, ultraviolet rays or the like canbe used.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a state in which an on state and an off stateof a detection signal are switched between in the optical scanningdevice of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3. (A) of FIG. 4 is adiagram schematically showing a state in which the reflection unitswings. (B) of FIG. 4 is a graph showing a change in swing angle of thereflection unit that swings as in (A) of FIG. 4 over time, in which thevertical axis represents a swing angle and the horizontal axisrepresents a time. (C) of FIG. 4 is a graph showing a signal (detectionsignal) detected by the sensor unit, in which the vertical axisrepresents a strength of a detection signal and the horizontal axisrepresents a time. (D) of FIG. 4 is a graph showing a change in swingangle over time for a longer time than in (B) of FIG. 4. (E) of FIG. 4is a graph showing a detection signal for a longer time than in (C) ofFIG. 4. In (B) to (E) of FIG. 4, ranges surrounded by dashed linesindicate times of the same length.

In FIG. 3 (or (A) of FIG. 4), in a resting state of the reflection unit3, the blocking unit 4 having a fan shape is formed laterallysymmetrically. Therefore, when light incident on the light detectionunit of the sensor unit 6 is blocked by the blocking unit 4, as shown in(C) of FIG. 4, the detection signal is brought into an off state.However, as shown in (A) of FIG. 4, when the swing angle reaches 40° andthe sensor unit 6 and the blocking unit 4 are far from each other, thedetection signal is brought into an on state, and as shown in (C) ofFIG. 4, the detection signal is detected. The on state of the detectionsignal continues for a t time until the sensor unit 6 detects theblocking unit 4 again (until the swing angle returns to 40°). As shownin (D) of FIG. 4 and (E) of FIG. 4, while the reflection unit 3periodically swings, such a pulse of the detection signal periodicallyappears. In the first embodiment, since the blocking unit 4 is laterallysymmetrical in the resting state of the reflection unit 3, irrespectiveof whether it swings to the positive (+) side or the negative (−) side,a pulse having the same time width t appears. A period (T) of swingingcan be calculated by measuring an interval (T/2) between pulses thatappear in the detection signal and doubling the width.

In the embodiments of the invention, the swing detection angle can beset using an angular difference between the edge of the light blockingunit in the resting state of the reflection unit and the detector.

That is, in the optical scanning device of the embodiments of theinvention, when a position of the sensor unit is set so that it can movealong a swing trajectory of the blocking unit, it is possible to changean angle of the reflection unit when the detection unit detects theblocking unit.

FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) schematically show an example in which a position ofa sensor unit is changed in the optical scanning device of the firstembodiment. FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are diagrams of the optical scanningdevice when viewed in a direction around the axis of the rotation axis2. FIG. 5(A) shows a state before a position of the sensor unitincluding a light detection unit is changed, and FIG. 5(B) shows a stateafter a position of the sensor unit including a light detection unit ischanged.

As shown in FIG. 5(A), the reflection unit 3 and the blocking unit 4periodically swing about the rotation axis 2 in the positive (+)direction and the negative (−) direction. Thus, when the swing angle ofthe reflection unit 3 is in a swing angle range of −30° to +30°, lightinput to the light detection unit of the sensor unit 6 is blocked by theblocking unit 4. Here, as shown in FIG. 5(B), when the sensor unit 6 ismoved along a swing trajectory of the blocking unit 4, an angle at whichlight is blocked by the blocking unit 4 is changed to an angle range of−45° to +15°. Therefore, it is possible to change an angle at which thesensor unit detects the blocking unit.

The position of the sensor unit may be changed manually. However, adetection angle adjustment mechanism by which a position of the sensorunit is automatically changed according to an angle to be detected isprovided in one or some exemplary embodiments. The detection angleadjustment mechanism can include, for example, a rotation mechanism thatrotates about a rotation axis and moves the sensor unit and an actuatorconfigured to automatically control the rotation mechanism.

As described above, in the modified example in FIG. 5(B), the reflectionunit 3 is laterally symmetrical with respect to a resting position, butthe position of the sensor unit is deviated from the center and theswing detection angle is set to be different on the + side and the −side.

When the swing detection angle is set to be different on the + side andthe − side, a pulse width of the detection signal can be different onthe + side and the − side. According to this pulse width detection, forexample, it is possible to easily determine a swing direction in thecontrol circuit.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which light from the lightemission unit of the sensor unit 6 is masked on either of the + side andthe − side (the − side in the present embodiment).

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which thereflection unit swings. In FIG. 6, in the blocking unit 4, a partcorresponding to one string of the light blocking unit having a fanshape is formed as an edge.

The part corresponding to one string is positioned on a surface of thereflection unit 3 (the fan shape is closed on the surface of thereflection unit 3), and light from the light emission unit is masked onthe − side.

(A) of FIG. 7 is a graph showing a change in swing angle over time and(B) of FIG. 7 is a graph showing a detection signal. As can beunderstood from (A) and (B) of FIG. 7, a pulse of the detection signalappears on the + side, but does not appear on the − side.

In the present embodiment, since a pulse of the detection signal doesnot appear on the + side, a period (T) of swinging can be detected bymeasuring an interval of the pulse.

Third Embodiment

In an optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention, it ispossible to increase an angle range that can be detected by increasingthe number of sensor units. FIG. 8 schematically shows an opticalscanning device of the third embodiment in which a plurality of sensorunits are provided. FIG. 8 is a diagram of the optical scanning devicewhen viewed in a direction of the rotation axis 2.

As shown in FIG. 8, the reflection unit 3 and the blocking unit 4periodically swing about the rotation axis 2 in the + direction and the− direction. In a first sensor unit 601, when a swing angle of thereflection unit 3 is in a swing angle range of −30° to +30°, a lightpath between the light emission unit and the light detection unit of thesensor unit is blocked by the blocking unit 4, and the detection signalis brought into an off state. Therefore, when the detection signal ischanged from an off state to an on state or when the detection signal ischanged from an on state to an off state, the swing angle of thereflection unit 3 is −30° or +30°.

Here, it is possible to determine whether the swing angle is −30° or+30° with reference to a detection signal of a second sensor unit 602.That is, when the swing angle is −30°, the second sensor unit 602 isblocked by the blocking unit 4 and the detection signal is brought intoan off state. When the swing angle is +30°, the second sensor unit 602is not blocked by the blocking unit 4, and the detection signal isbrought into an on state. Therefore, it is possible to determine whetherthe swing angle is −30° or +30° according to the detection signal of thesecond sensor unit 602.

In addition, when the swing angle of the reflection unit 3 is in anangle range of −45° to +15°, the second sensor unit 602 is blocked bythe blocking unit 4, and the detection signal is brought into in an offstate. Therefore, when the detection signal is changed, the swing angleof the reflection unit 3 is −45° or +15°. Here, −45° and +15° can bedetermined according to the detection signal of the first sensor unit601.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 8, according to the thirdembodiment in which a plurality of detectors are provided, four angles,−45°, −30°, +15° and +30°, can be detected.

The optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention can havea configuration in which, if a plurality of sensor units are disposedalong a swing trajectory of the blocking unit, when the reflection unitis at a first position, the blocking unit is positioned between theoutput unit and the detection unit of the first sensor unit, and whenthe reflection unit is at a second position, the blocking unit ispositioned between the output unit and the detection unit of the secondsensor unit. Here, for example, in the configuration, when thereflection unit is in a predetermined first swing angle range, theblocking unit is positioned between the output unit and the detectionunit of the first sensor unit, and when the reflection unit is in apredetermined second swing angle range, the blocking unit is positionedbetween the output unit and the detection unit of the second sensorunit. Therefore, it is possible to detect an angle range of the firstswing angle range, the second swing angle range, an angle range in whichthe first swing angle range and the second swing angle range overlap,and an angle range that is not included in the first swing angle rangeor the second swing angle range that the reflection unit is in.

Fourth Embodiment

In an optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention, it ispossible to increase the number of angles that can be detected byincreasing the number of blocking units.

FIG. 9 schematically shows an optical scanning device of the fourthembodiment in which a plurality of blocking units are provided. FIG. 9is a diagram of the optical scanning device when viewed in a directionof the rotation axis 2. As shown in FIG. 9, the optical scanning deviceof the fourth embodiment includes a first blocking unit 401 and a secondblocking unit 402. The first blocking unit 401 is detected by the sensorunit 6 in an angle range of −30° to +30°. Thus, the second blocking unit402 can be detected by the sensor unit 6 when it swings to the − sidefrom −50°. Therefore, the optical scanning device of the fourthembodiment can detect three angles, −50°, −30°, and +30°.

The optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention can havea configuration in which, if a plurality of blocking units are providedon the reflection unit, when the reflection unit is at a first position,the first blocking unit is positioned between the output unit and thedetection unit of the sensor unit, and when the reflection unit is at asecond position, the second blocking unit is positioned between theoutput unit and the detection unit of the sensor unit. Here, in theconfiguration, for example, when the reflection unit is in apredetermined first swing angle range, the first blocking unit ispositioned between the output unit and the detection unit of the sensorunit, and when the reflection unit is in a predetermined second swingangle range, the second blocking unit is positioned between the outputunit and the detection unit of the sensor unit. Therefore, it ispossible to detect an angle range of the first swing angle range, thesecond swing angle range, and an angle range that is not included in thefirst swing angle range or the second swing angle range that thereflection unit is in.

Fifth Embodiment

In an optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention, aplurality of sensor units are provided and a plurality of blocking unitsare provided so that it is possible to increase a degree of freedom ofdetection angle. FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing anoptical scanning device of a fifth embodiment in which a plurality ofsensor units and a plurality of blocking units are provided.

As shown in FIG. 10, the reflection unit 3 periodically swings about therotation axis 2 in the + direction and the − direction. In thereflection unit 3, the first blocking unit 401 and the second blockingunit 402 are provided. The first blocking unit 401 approaches the sensorunit 601 including a first light detection unit and blocks lightincident on the first light detection unit. The second blocking unit 402approaches the sensor unit 602 including a second light detection unitand blocks light incident on the second light detection unit.

When the reflection unit 3 is inclined by a predetermined angle or morein the + angle direction, the first blocking unit 401 is away from thesensor unit 601 including a first light detection unit, blocking isreleased, and thus a detection signal of the sensor unit 601 including afirst light detection unit is brought into an on state. Therefore, it ispossible to detect a swing angle in the + angle direction. The sensorunit 601 including a first light detection unit can be moved along aswing trajectory of the first blocking unit 401. Accordingly, it ispossible to change an angle to be detected, and it is possible to detectany angle in the + angle direction.

When the reflection unit 3 swings a predetermined angle or more in the −direction, the second blocking unit 402 is away from the sensor unit 602including a second light detection unit, and blocking of a light pathbetween the light emission unit and the light detection unit in thedetector is released, and thus a detection signal of the sensor unit 602including a second light detection unit is brought into an on state.Therefore, it is possible to detect a swing angle in the − direction.The sensor unit 602 including a second light detection unit can be movedalong a swing trajectory of the second blocking unit 402. Accordingly,it is possible to change an angle to be detected, and it is possible todetect any angle in the − direction.

As described above, the optical scanning device of the fifth embodimentshown in FIG. 10 can detect any swing angle of the reflection unit 3 inthe + direction and the − direction.

The optical scanning device in the embodiments of the invention includesa shaft part that is provided on both sides of the reflection unit and asupport part that rotatably supports the shaft part. In the opticalscanning device, when the shaft part rotates, the reflection unitswings.

Here, “both sides of the reflection unit” are two portions on therotation axis of the reflection unit, and the support part rotatablysupports the shaft part at the two portions. In addition, “rotatablysupporting the shaft part” means that the shaft part rotates from aforward direction to a reverse direction and then rotates from a reversedirection to a forward direction so that it is supported swingable, anddoes not mean that it continuously rotates in one direction.

Here, the shaft part and the support part may be configured as a shaftand a bearing (slide bearing), or the shaft part and the support partmay be connected to each other so that they swing by a twisting motion.When the shaft part and the support part are connected to each other andtwisted, since the reflection unit can be swung without a complexmechanism including a shaft and a bearing, the size of the opticalscanning device can be reduced.

In the optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention, asin the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment, the shape of theblocking unit can be a shape of which at least a part has an arcequidistant with respect to a point on the rotation axis of thereflection unit which is on the same axis as the shaft part. In thiscase, for example, the blocking unit is a flat blocking plate and theblocking plate is provided so that it is perpendicular to the reflectionunit.

Here, in addition, when a notch is formed in a part of the arcequidistant with respect to a point on the rotation axis of thereflection unit that is on the same axis as the shaft part, it ispossible to arbitrarily set an angle range in which light incident onthe sensor unit is blocked by the blocking plate.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 11 schematically shows an optical scanning device of a sixthembodiment in which a circular arc-shaped blocking plate of which a parthas a notch is provided. FIG. 11 is a diagram of the optical scanningdevice when viewed in a direction of the rotation axis 2. As shown inFIG. 11, in a semicircular blocking plate (blocking unit 4), a notch isprovided in a range of −50° to +50°. While the reflection unit 3 swingsin a range of −50° to +50°, since the blocking unit 4 does not block aspace between the light emission unit and the light detection unit ofthe sensor unit 6, the sensor unit 6 does not detect the blocking unit4. On the other hand, when the reflection unit 3 swings 50° or more inthe + angle direction or 50° or more in the − angle direction, lightincident on the light detection unit of the sensor unit 6 is blocked bythe blocking plate 4, and the sensor unit 6 can detect a swing angle ofthe reflection unit 3.

The optical scanning device of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 11 canbe used to perform control such that emission of light from the lightsource is stopped, for example, when the reflection unit 3 is inclinedby 50° or more in the + direction or 50° or more in the − direction.

When the reflection unit 3 periodically swings in the + direction andthe − direction, as shown in (D) of FIG. 4, it does not rotate at acertain speed, but it is driven in a sinusoidal manner, and at an endpoint at which an absolute value of the swing angle is a maximum and arotation direction is reversed, rotation is instantaneously stopped.Therefore, at the end point, since laser light emitted from the lightsource or the like is focused on and emitted to one point, there is aproblem of safety for the human eye and the like. Therefore, when thereflection unit swings by a predetermined angle or more, if the swingangle is detected using the optical scanning device of the sixthembodiment, and emission of light from the light source is stopped, itis possible to ensure safety of the optical scanning device.

In the optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention, theblocking unit can be used so that a degree of blocking ofelectromagnetic waves by the blocking unit gradually changes.

In the optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention, theshape of the blocking unit can be a gear shape that has a plurality ofarcs equidistant with respect to the rotation axis.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 12 schematically shows an optical scanning device of a seventhembodiment in which a gear-shaped blocking unit is provided. (A) of FIG.12 is a diagram of the optical scanning device of the seventh embodimentwhen viewed in a direction of the rotation axis 2. (B) of FIG. 12 is agraph showing a change in swing angle of the reflection unit over time,in which the vertical axis represents a swing angle and the horizontalaxis represents a time. (C) of FIG. 12 is a graph showing a signal(detection signal) detected by the sensor unit, in which the verticalaxis represents a strength of a detection signal and the horizontal axisrepresents a time.

As shown in (A) of FIG. 12, the blocking unit 4 of the optical scanningdevice of the seventh embodiment has a shape in which notches are formedat intervals of 10° on a semicircular blocking plate and a plurality ofarcs are provided at the same interval and equidistant with respect tothe center of the rotation axis 2. The reflection unit 3 periodicallyswings in the + direction and the − direction. However, as shown in (B)of FIG. 12, since the swing angle varies in a sinusoidal manner, whenthe swing angle is about 0°, the swing speed is high, and when the swingangle is about a maximum angle, the swing speed is low.

Therefore, as shown in (C) of FIG. 12, when the swing angle is about 0°,since the swing speed of the reflection unit is high, a time for whichthe blocking plate is detected by the detection unit becomes shorter.Therefore, a pulse width of the detection signal decreases. On the otherhand, when the swing angle is about a maximum angle, since the swingspeed of the reflection unit is low, a time for which the blocking plateis detected by the detection unit becomes longer. Therefore, a pulsewidth of the detection signal increases. Based on a difference betweenthe pulse widths, it is possible to determine a tooth of the gear towhich a pulse detected by the detection unit corresponds, and it ispossible to detect the swing angle of the reflection unit 3.

The optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention candetect an angle using the blocking unit and can allow the blocking unitto have a function of splitting a reflection surface of the reflectionunit. The reflection unit of the optical scanning device reflects lightfrom the light source and emits light to a target object, and at thesame time, receives reflected light and scattered light from the object,and reflects this light again, which is detected by the sensor unit, andthus it can be used to measure a distance to the object, a shapethereof, a direction, and the like.

Here, when emission of light and reception of light are performed usingthe same reflection unit, there is a possibility of an unintendedsurface diffusion and reflection component entering on the lightreception side. Therefore, emission light and reflected light are split.In the optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention, inthe reflection unit, a first reflection area (light emission surface)for emitting light and a second reflection area (light receptionsurface) for receiving reflected light are split by the blocking plate,and thus it is possible to prevent reflected light from entering.

That is, the optical scanning device of the embodiments of the inventionfurther includes a light source configured to generate scanning light.The reflection unit has a reflection surface that includes a firstreflection area in which scanning light from the light source isreceived and reflected toward a first area and a second reflection areain which scanning light that is reflected and returned from the firstarea is received and reflected toward a second area.

The blocking unit can be disposed between the first reflection area andthe second reflection area.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing an eighth embodimentin which a blocking unit has a function of splitting a reflectionsurface. As shown in FIG. 13, the semicircular blocking unit 4 isprovided in the reflection unit 3. Therefore, the reflection surface ofthe reflection unit 3 is split into a light emission surface 8 foremitting light and a light reception surface 9 for receiving reflectedlight, and it is possible to prevent reflected light due to unintendedsurface diffusion and reflection from entering.

Notches 1001 and 1002 are provided in the blocking unit 4. When thesenotches are positioned along a path of light that is emitted from thelight emission unit of the sensor unit 6, blocking between the lightemission unit and the detection unit of the sensor unit is released, adetection signal is generated, and accordingly, it is possible to detectan angle of the reflection unit. In addition, the detection method isnot limited thereto. A detection signal may be generated when theblocking unit is positioned between the light emission unit and thedetection unit of the sensor unit.

Ninth Embodiment

In an optical scanning device of the embodiments of the invention, theblocking unit is a flat blocking plate, and the blocking plate can beprovided substantially parallel to an axial direction of the shaft partabout which the reflection unit is swung.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing a ninth embodimentin which a blocking plate is provided parallel to an axial direction ofa rotation axis. As shown in FIG. 14, in the reflection unit 3, theblocking plate (blocking unit 4) having a short width is providedparallel to the rotation axis 2. The blocking unit 4 moves in acircumferential direction about the rotation axis 2 as the reflectionunit 3 rotates, and passes in front of the light detection unit 5 of thesensor unit 6. When the blocking unit 4 passes between the lightemission unit and the light detection unit 5 in the sensor unit 6, lightincident on the light detection unit 5 is blocked and it is possible todetect a swing angle of the reflection unit 3.

FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) show diagrams explaining removal of detectionnoise. FIG. 15(A) is a waveform diagram showing a signal (a signal onwhich a noise component is superimposed) from a sensor unit having nohysteresis and an angle detection signal according to threshold valuedetermination. FIG. 15(B) is a waveform diagram showing a signal (asignal on which a noise component is superimposed) from a sensor unithaving hysteresis and an angle detection signal according to thresholdvalue determination.

When a signal is detected without hysteresis, that is, when onethreshold value is used as shown in the waveform diagram (a signal froma light blocking plate) in FIG. 15(A), if a signal from the sensor unitswings at about a threshold value, since an angle detection signalvaries finely, many noises are contained in an angle detection signal asshown in the angle detection signal (microcomputer determination value)in the same drawing.

On the other hand, as shown in the waveform diagram (a signal from alight blocking plate) in FIG. 15(B), when a signal is detected withhysteresis, that is, when two threshold values including an H thresholdvalue (ON threshold value) and an L threshold value (OFF thresholdvalue) are used, since ON and OFF of the angle detection signal areswitched only when the value varies over the two threshold values in thepresent embodiment, noise is removed as shown in the same drawing.

2. Method of Detecting Angle

The method of detecting an angle of the reflection unit of theembodiments of the invention is an angle detection method in which ablocking unit is swung in linkage with the reflection unit that swings,the sensor unit detects that the blocking unit has reached apredetermined swing angle, and thus a swing angle of the reflection unitis detected. The sensor unit detects whether a path of a detectiontarget between an output unit configured to output the detection targetand a detection unit configured to detect the detection target isblocked by the blocking unit. Therefore, a method of detecting a swingangle of the reflection unit is provided.

In the angle detection method of the embodiments of the invention,optical scanning devices of various variations described in the above 1can be used, and it is possible to detect an angle of the reflectionunit according to the principle described in the above 1.

In the angle detection method of the embodiments of the invention, whena blocking plate with a shape having an arc equidistant with respect toa point on the rotation axis of the reflection unit is used as theblocking unit, the reflection unit is periodically swung about therotation axis, and the detection target is detected by the sensor unitas a pulse including an off state in which the detection target incidenton the detection unit is blocked by the blocking unit and thus nodetection target is detected by the detection unit and an on state inwhich blocking is released and thus the detection target is detected bythe detection unit, and it is possible to detect a maximum deflectionangle of the reflection unit based on a width and frequency of the pulseand the shape of the blocking unit and the like.

More specifically, when a blocking unit with a shape having an arcequidistant with respect to a point on the rotation axis of thereflection unit is used as the blocking unit, and the reflection unit isperiodically swung about the rotation axis, as shown in FIG. 4, it ispossible to obtain a value (t) of a pulse width and a value (T) of aswing period. Here, a swing frequency f can be obtained as f=1/T (Hz).Then, when an angular difference between the edge of the light blockingunit in the resting state of the reflection unit and the detector is setas θ, a maximum deflection angle α of the reflection unit can becalculated by α=2θ/cos(2πf(t/2)).

FIG. 4 shows a case in which the blocking unit laterally symmetricallyswings. FIG. 16 shows detection of a detection signal when the blockingunit laterally asymmetrically swings.

(A) of FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which thereflection unit swings. (B) of FIG. 16 is a graph showing a change inswing angle of the reflection unit over time that swings as in (A) ofFIG. 16, in which the vertical axis represents a swing angle and thehorizontal axis represents a time. (C) of FIG. 16 is a graph showing asignal (detection signal) detected by the sensor unit, in which thevertical axis represents a strength of a detection signal and thehorizontal axis represents a time.

As shown in (A) of FIG. 16, the blocking unit 4 is not symmetrical withrespect to a surface including a normal line of the reflection unit 3,and an edge inside the blocking unit 4 is at a position with an initialmounting angle of 0°, and an edge outside the blocking unit 4 is at aposition with an initial mounting angle of 20°. Thus, an angulardifference between the edge of the blocking unit 4 in the resting stateof the reflection unit and the detector is 20°.

The reflection unit 3 and the blocking unit 4 mounted thereon swing asshown in (A) of FIG. 16, and a graph showing a change in swing angleover time is a sine wave as shown in (B) of FIG. 16. A vertical width(90°) of the sine wave in (B) of FIG. 16 indicates a magnitude of adeflection angle of the reflection unit. As will be described below, amagnitude of the deflection angle of the reflection unit can becalculated by measuring a detection signal.

As shown in (A) of FIG. 16, immediately after swinging of the blockingunit 4 in the + direction starts, blocking of the sensor unit 6 isreleased and a state in which blocking is released until the swing anglereturns to 0° again continues. Therefore, as shown in (C) of FIG. 16, adetection signal is detected for a t time.

Then, as shown in (A) of FIG. 16, when swinging of the blocking unit 4in the − direction starts, the sensor unit 6 is blocked by the blockingunit 4, and a state in which blocking is performed until the swing anglebecomes −20° continues. Thus, the swing angle becomes larger on the −side from −20° and a state in which blocking is released continues untilit returns to −20° again. Therefore, as shown in (C) of FIG. 16, adetection signal is detected for a d time.

The swing period can be measured as an interval (T) of a correspondingdetection signal.

It is possible to calculate a deflection angle and a deflection anglecenter deviation using t, d and T that can be measured from thedetection signal and θ₂ and θ_(d) that can be measured from the shapeand the mounting angle of the blocking unit according to the followingcalculation formula. θ₂ denotes an angular difference between two edgesof the blocking unit and θ_(d) denotes an initial mounting angle of anedge inside the blocking plate (blocking unit).

$\begin{matrix}{{{{deflection}\mspace{14mu}{angle}} = \frac{4\theta_{2}}{{\cos\left( \frac{\pi\; t}{T} \right)} + {\cos\;\left( \frac{\pi\; d}{T} \right)}}},} & {{formula}\mspace{14mu} 1} \\{{{{deflection}\mspace{14mu}{angle}\mspace{14mu}{center}\mspace{14mu}{deviation}} = {\frac{2\theta_{2}\cos\;\left( \frac{\pi d}{T} \right)}{{\cos\left( \frac{\pi\; t}{T} \right)} + {\cos\left( \frac{\pi d}{T} \right)}} - \theta_{d}}},} & {{formula}\mspace{14mu} 2}\end{matrix}$

(in the formula, T denotes a swing period of the reflection unit, θ₂denotes an angular difference between two edges of the blocking unit, tdenotes a time width of a pulse detected when the blocking unit swingsin the + direction, d denotes a time width of a pulse detected when theblocking unit swings in the − direction, and θ_(d) denotes an initialmounting angle of an edge inside the blocking plate (blocking unit))

In the formula, when a burden on a control unit is large due tocalculation of a trigonometric function and the like, it is possible tosuitably use an approximate formula.

In the angle detection method of the embodiments of the invention, whena gear-shaped blocking plate having a plurality of arcs equidistant withrespect to a point on the rotation axis of the reflection unit is usedas the blocking unit, the reflection unit is periodically swung aboutthe rotation axis, the detection target is detected by the sensor unitas a pulse including an off state in which the detection target incidenton the detection unit is blocked by the blocking unit and no detectiontarget is detected by the detection unit and an on state in whichblocking is released and thus the detection target is detected by thedetection unit, and it is possible to detect a swing angle of thereflection unit based on the pulse width.

More specifically, when a gear-shaped blocking unit having a pluralityof arcs equidistant with respect to the center of the rotation axis isused as the blocking unit, and the reflection unit is periodically swungabout the rotation axis, it is possible to obtain the detection signalas shown in FIG. 12. Here, even if widths of teeth of the gear areexactly the same, since widths of pulses corresponding to the teeth ofthe gear differ according to angles at which the teeth of the gear arepositioned, it is possible to determine a teeth of the gear to which apulse corresponds according to the width of the pulse, and it ispossible to detect a swing angle of the reflection unit 3.

The optical scanning device and the angle detection method of theembodiments of the invention can be beneficially used in the electronicsindustry in which a device configured to scan light and determine adistance to a target object, a shape thereof, and the like, a deviceconfigured to scan light and form an image, and the like are produced.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical scanning device comprising: a reflector, which is swingable; a blocking plate that is provided in the reflector to move in linkage with the reflector; and a sensor unit that includes at least a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit, wherein each of the first and second sensor units includes an output unit, which is a light generator or an electromagnetic wave generator configured to output a detection target and a detection unit, which is a light receiver or an electromagnetic wave receiver configured to detect the detection target, wherein the output unit is at a position that faces the detection unit, and wherein, when the reflector is in a predetermined swing angle range, the blocking plate blocks a path of the detection target between the output unit and the detection unit.
 2. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, wherein the blocking plate is integrally formed with the reflector, and wherein, the blocking plate is formed by providing a U-shaped notch in the reflector and bending the reflector.
 3. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, further comprising: a light source configured to generate scanning light, wherein the reflector has a reflection surface that includes a first reflection area, in which scanning light from the light source is received and reflected toward a first area, and a second reflection area, in which scanning light that is reflected and returned from the first area is received and reflected toward a second area, and wherein the blocking plate is disposed between the first reflection area and the second reflection area.
 4. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, further comprising: a shaft part that is provided on both sides of the reflector; and a support part that rotatably supports the shaft part, wherein, the reflector swings by rotation of the shaft part, and wherein the blocking plate is a flat plate and is disposed substantially parallel to an axial direction of the shaft part that swings the reflector.
 5. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, further comprising: a shaft part that is provided on both sides of the reflector; and a support part that rotatably supports the shaft part, wherein, the reflector swings by rotation of the shaft part, and wherein the blocking plate is a flat plate and is disposed substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the shaft part that swings the reflector.
 6. An optical scanning device comprising: a reflector, which is swingable; a blocking plate that is provided in the reflector to move in linkage with the reflector; and a sensor unit that includes an output unit, which is a light generator or an electromagnetic wave generator configured to output a detection target and a detection unit, which is a light receiver or an electromagnetic wave receiver configured to detect the detection target, wherein the output unit is at a position that faces the detection unit, wherein, when the reflector is in a predetermined swing angle range, the blocking plate blocks a path of the detection target between the output unit and the detection unit, wherein the blocking plate is integrally formed with the reflector, and wherein, the blocking plate is formed by providing a U-shaped notch in the reflector and bending the reflector.
 7. The optical scanning device according to claim 6, further comprising: a light source configured to generate scanning light, wherein the reflector has a reflection surface that includes a first reflection area, in which scanning light from the light source is received and reflected toward a first area, and a second reflection area, in which scanning light that is reflected and returned from the first area is received and reflected toward a second area, and wherein the blocking plate is disposed between the first reflection area and the second reflection area.
 8. The optical scanning device according to claim 6, further comprising: a shaft part that is provided on both sides of the reflector; and a support part that rotatably supports the shaft part, wherein, the reflector swings by rotation of the shaft part, and wherein the blocking plate is a flat plate and is disposed substantially parallel to an axial direction of the shaft part that swings the reflector.
 9. The optical scanning device according to claim 6, further comprising: a shaft part that is provided on both sides of the reflector; and a support part that rotatably supports the shaft part, wherein, the reflector swings by rotation of the shaft part, and wherein the blocking plate is a flat plate and is disposed substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the shaft part that swings the reflector.
 10. An optical scanning device comprising: a reflector, which is swingable; a blocking plate that is provided in the reflector to move in linkage with the reflector; a sensor unit that includes an output unit, which is a light generator or an electromagnetic wave generator configured to output a detection target and a detection unit, which is a light receiver or an electromagnetic wave receiver configured to detect the detection target; and a light source configured to generate scanning light, wherein the output unit is at a position that faces the detection unit, wherein, when the reflector is in a predetermined swing angle range, the blocking plate blocks a path of the detection target between the output unit and the detection unit, wherein the reflector has a reflection surface that includes a first reflection area, in which scanning light from the light source is received and reflected toward a first area, and a second reflection area, in which scanning light that is reflected and returned from the first area is received and reflected toward a second area, and wherein the blocking plate is disposed between the first reflection area and the second reflection area.
 11. The optical scanning device according to claim 10, further comprising: a shaft part that is provided on both sides of the reflector; and a support part that rotatably supports the shaft part, wherein, the reflector swings by rotation of the shaft part, and wherein the blocking plate is a flat plate and is disposed substantially parallel to an axial direction of the shaft part that swings the reflector.
 12. The optical scanning device according to claim 10, further comprising: a shaft part that is provided on both sides of the reflector; and a support part that rotatably supports the shaft part, wherein, the reflector swings by rotation of the shaft part, and wherein the blocking plate is a flat plate and is disposed substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the shaft part that swings the reflector. 